Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Windows 8.1 Update 1 Is Here

If you've gotten your hopes up that the new Windows 8.1 Update 1 will include the re-introduction of the traditional Start button, you're going to be disappointed. That feature was only just recently announced at the last Microsoft BUILD conference. It's on the Windows road map, but you probably won't see it until Windows 8.1 Update 2. That being said, there are a few notable new features in Windows 8.1 Update 1.

Windows 8.1 Update 1 Changes:

Apps purchased from the Windows App store can be pinned to the taskbar

Cursor gestures now have a small delay before triggering

Power and Search buttons have been added to the Start screen

Right-clicking a Live tile spawns an actual right-click menu rather than showing charms

Windows Apps can be closed and minimized with the mouse

You can now boot directly to the desktop

I'm not a huge fan of the Metro/Desktop hybrid that Microsoft seems to be pushing with Windows 8, but I will say that Windows 8.1 Update 1 includes enough small changes that I no longer hate the interface. I'm only slightly annoyed now.